Hyman Awaits Chance

HARRISONBURG — It’s a routine sight at James Madison football practice this spring: wide receiver Ishmael Hyman racing past a defensive back and running under a ball to catch it before sprinting into the end zone.

At a practice this week, he beat cornerback Curtis Oliver, who had a key interception during JMU’s national championship win in January, on a go route. By the time Hyman secured the catch, Oliver wasn’t within 5 yards of the 6-foot, soon-to-be senior.

“His biggest asset is his speed,” JMU wide receivers coach Drew Dudzik said. “I think being a deep threat is something he brings to this offense that not everyone can bring. He does a great job of tracking the ball down the field and that’s the skill he has that separates him from a lot of guys.”

Before the start of spring ball, JMU offensive coordinator Donnie Kirkpatrick called Hyman, “Our most explosive guy.”

But Hyman will admit he hasn’t put together the kind of season he’s capable of.

This past fall, he made only five catches for 75 yards. One was more significant than the others though — a 34-yard reception in the semifinal at North Dakota State giving a glimpse of what he could do should he see the field on a consistent basis this fall.

Right now, Hyman is taking reps as a first-team wide receiver along with Terrence Alls, John Miller and Riley Stapleton. The Dukes are tasked with replacing graduating seniors Brandon Ravenel, Rashard Davis and Domo Taylor from their national championship squad.

“I just feel like I can bring a big spark to the offense,” Hyman said. “We were a great running and passing team last year. I think I can really stretch the field and open up the defense for the running backs and even for some of the other receivers, too.”

The feeling Hyman has now is the same one he had when was preparing for his first season of college football at Kansas University.

Then-Kansas coach Charlie Weis and his top assistant, Rob Ianello, personally recruited Hyman out of St. John Vianney High School in Holmdel, N.J.

“That was big,” Hyman said. “[Weis] is a big name in the football business and when he came I was like, ‘Wow, maybe I am pretty good,’ because he wouldn’t come for any other reason. It was humbling having him come to my house.”

Hyman’s best season came in 2015 at JMU when he made 23 catches for 379 yards and four touchdowns.

All indications looked like he’d be able to build off that success in 2016, but a collarbone injury suffered during preseason camp derailed his chances for regular playing time.

“He was playing the same position as Brandon Ravenel,” Dudzik said. “And Ravenel is one of the top four receivers in JMU history, but Ish was right there.

“I told Ish in fall camp that he was really competing for that spot at the [outside receiver] position and he then ended up getting hurt. That set him back a bit.”

Once Hyman got healthy, he had missed four games and Ravenel was playing too well to take off the field.

“It definitely wasn’t the season I wanted individually, but that doesn’t really matter to me. I was happy we won the championship,” Hyman said. “We had players in front of me doing the right thing, so I could see [being upset] if we were losing and people weren’t doing the right thing. But they were competing good and balling out, so I had to sit back and wait my turn.”

Now, it’s Hyman’s turn and everyone is noticing him.

“Honestly, I think Ish was the best receiver we had last year and is the best receiver we have this year,” Miller said. “He’s the fastest we have. His route running is great. He can catch the ball. Last year he got hurt and it slowed him down, but honestly Ish probably has best talent that we have at receiver.”

The z-receiver starting job is his to lose and the ex-Jayhawk said he doesn’t plan on losing it.

“In the offseason I worked really hard,” Hyman added. “I feel like I have to prove a lot, not just to myself, but to everybody that thinks I can be the guy. Not just one of the guys — we still have Riley, John and Terrence — but be the reliable guy for the offense. I have to prove that every day.”